The interview – how do you behave properly? Dos & Donts!

Good preparation is essential

It starts with the first tip to prepare for the interview. We know from our own experience that preparing for the interview gives the applicant security. In this case, preparation primarily refers to researching the company from which you received the invitation to the interview. Such research should relate to the company’s industry, products and competitors. As a rule, you should have found out most of these things before submitting your application – after all, it makes sense to know what kind of products a production employee should actually produce. But you should save some more detailed information for the conversation.

Your self-presentation

We come to the second tip: self-presentation! In the interview, you should sell yourself as well as possible and convince the recruiter that you are a good fit for the position for which you have applied. On the one hand, the HR manager will ask you to tell something about yourself, but on the other hand, they will also provide information about the position and the company.

When you report on yourself, the structure of your résumé can be used as a guide. However, you shouldn’t rattle off the entire résumé, but rather show how the individual stations are linked and why you come from the last station to apply for the position for which you applied. You should highlight the professional qualifications and practical experience that you have already acquired for this position. Often the recruiter will ask you about your strengths and weaknesses during the interview.

Answer the questions of the HR manager as individually and personally as possible so that it becomes clear how you can meet the requirements of the position both personally and professionally. And: ask yourself smart questions that show that you are interested in the position you are aiming for and that you may have already thought a step further. If you ask (relevant) questions yourself during the interview, the HR manager will notice that you have already dealt with the position.

Clarify organizational matters regarding the appointment

Here, too, good preparation is the be-all and end-all. The job interview rarely takes place around the corner from you. Most of the time, you travel to the interview by car or train. Look at Google Maps to see how long you need, plan a buffer, and take the traffic into account (also depending on the time). If the interview takes place far away, so that you cannot arrive at the same day or leave on the same day, you should book an overnight stay in a hotel early.

Nothing is more embarrassing than being late for the interview. Many HR managers have to keep several appointments for interviews or the like and have no time for delays/postponements. However, if you suddenly can not keep the appointment (on time), let your contact person know in good time.

Planning the outfit

Your own outfit also plays an important role in the job interview. In the commercial sector, a suit or costume is often recommended, or at least a jacket with a shirt or a blazer with a blouse and dark jeans. In the commercial sector, when it comes to clothing, you are often right with decent jeans and a shirt or blouse or a plain-colored sweater. It always depends a little on the corporate culture and the industry.

Body language, gestures and facial expressions are important

In addition to what you convey to the HR manager, you should not forget the importance of your own body language, gestures, and facial expressions. This includes sitting straight and upright, facing the person you are speaking to, speaking clearly, smiling, and, above all, being friendly. Even if the conversation is not successful at your own discretion, you should remain polite, and thank you for the conversation.

Another tactic is to (inconspicuously) mirror your counterpart, as this behavior makes you sympathetic. However, this should not be made too clear, but rather casually – for example, if the person you are talking to puts his hands on the table, you can also imitate this casually.

If despite following all the tips, it doesn’t fit, that’s the way it is, then maybe it was simply not the right position or the right company for you. Then maybe after the next conversation, you will have a better feeling. Sometimes you can tell at the beginning of the conversation which direction it is going – top or flop. Sometimes the recruiter leaves you completely clueless. Either way, if you take these tips into account, you will be well-prepared for the interview.